This blog has nothing to do with gorillas (though I love 'em)...fellow bloggers have inspired me to share vintage images of Disneyland from my personal collection. But don't be surprised if you see something from a World's Fair, Knott's Berry Farm, or someplace else that is cool!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

For those of you who thought that last Sunday's Jungle Cruise pix were lame, you ain't seen nothin' yet! The same lot yielded these uglies from the shores of Frontierland. You have been warned.

I guess those are deer. Who knows. You can barely see them. I wish they were monkeys. Why can't I have monkeys in Frontierland? Disco monkeys, especially.

This one is kind of fuzzy, but I was surprised to see the Indian "sentinels" still standing on the hillside behind Chief Wavy. For some reason I thought that they had been removed by 1963. So that's something.

I admit that I like this moose. What's not to like? He is dignified, but not snooty. And he is open to new kinds of music. He likes everything from Sinatra to Skrillex.

Nice pics today of the future Star Wars Land! (Sorry, I just can't seem to let it go!) On a happier note, I just found a video I shot while riding one of the Keel Boats back in 1996. There is great footage of the animals, Indians, and even the burning cabin. I think I'm going to have to post it. At least I'll always have that video to remember the Rivers of America......and of course, your pics, Major!

TokyoMagic, I’m kind of out of touch. There is NO WAY they’d even so much as slightly scathe Rivers of America for Star Wars land, would they? I know they’re planning SW Land over in that vicinity, but I refuse to believe they’d sacrifice that much of Frontierland for it. Tell me it’s not true! PLEASE!

Nanook, Mr. Moose was on OK Cupid, but he has since found true love. He met a lady moose with varied musical tastes like his own.

TokyoMagic!, I wish they would just tear Disneyland down and build everything Star Wars! Nobody likes all of that old junk anymore. I need droids and wookies! But yes, you should share your video footage, just so that I can reaffirm how much better Star Wars is. May the force be with you.

K. Martinez, sometimes a small red blotch is just a small red blotch. “River Rats and Feral Cats” was one of the least-loved animated features of the 1960’s. And I have no idea where the moose is now!

Patrick Devlin, that’s how I feel! If I could be reincarnated as an Ewok, my dreams would have come true. Yub nub! The more natural look of the river’s edge is gone now.

Monkey Cage Kurt, I felt the same way as you do, but I know that nothing is sacred at the park these days. Don’t love anything too much, because it will probably go away. I suppose I can at least be a little bit grateful that we aren’t getting a “Frozen Land”. Yet.

Monkey Cage Kurt, all that Disney has confirmed so far is that the train route will be "slightly" altered and that the river will be shortened. But there are all sorts of scary rumors out there that are supposedly "leaking" out from people that are "in the know". I hope they are all wrong, but moving the train tracks and altering the path of the river does not sound good.....especially for the trees. I don't trust Disney. I haven't trusted them for decades now. They will destroy whatever they want to and then say, "Well, Walt always said the park will never be completed" as an excuse for their destruction. I'm hoping for the best, but I'm expecting the worst.

Major, I agree that they should tear down everything, but they really should keep the Castle so they can convert it into Elsa's castle. Frozen Land can replace Fantasyland, the west side of the park can become Star Wars Universe and the east side can become Marvel Universe and then everyone will be happy.

TokyoMagic!, I almost can’t believe they’d do that, but you’re right I wouldn’t put it past them. In Anaheim the biggest issue is real estate and the Rivers of America takes up a lot of it. It was only a matter of time. The Mark twain will someday just be a stationary exhibit, or at least I’m sure they’ll figure out a way to replace the Mark twain with a projection effect.

I also like that you brought up the trees. One thing I love about D-land is all the “old-growth”, especially in that particular region of the park. I would hate to see it lost.

I agree with you 100% I don’t trust “Disney” with this sort of thing, and I’m also sick of that lame “Disneyland will never be completed" excuse! Somehow I don’t think bulldozing beautiful and artistic history is what he had in mind.

I always think there should be a rule of thumb that whatever Walt directly touched or influenced should be considered “historical landmark”, and should be given some sort of preservation status.